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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 25, 2019 5 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated she had several questions regarding this item. For this reason, <br />she requested this item be tabled to a worksession meeting. <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a <br />motion to table action on the Posting for Part-Time Customer Service <br />Specialist to a future worksession meeting. The motion carried (5-0). <br /> <br />9. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> <br />A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman stated water customers whose account is 90 days past due were <br />informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with <br />property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss <br />this matter prior to certification. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. <br /> <br />With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. <br /> <br />B. Tobacco Ordinance Amendment <br /> <br />City Clerk Hanson stated the Council previously conducted discussions regarding amending the <br />tobacco ordinance at its August 2018, October 2018, and January 2019 work sessions. The <br />Council also received public comment at a November 13, 2018, public hearing. Following <br />discussion at the January 2019 work session, the Council directed staff to provide a draft <br />amendment to Chapter 3, License and Regulations, Section 350, Tobacco Products of the Arden <br />Hills City Code. The draft ordinance will be discussed under the New Business agenda item and <br />consideration of a formal vote regarding an ordinance amendment will take place under that <br />action item. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide the opportunity for further public <br />comment. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. <br /> <br />Alexis Bylander, Clear Way Minnesota representative, supported raising the tobacco sale age to <br />21 and restricting the sale of kid friendly tobacco flavors because of the strong role that both <br />policies in preventing youth tobacco use. She indicated good public policy often starts at the local <br />level. She commented on the initiative that took place in 2007 to create smoke-free indoor places. <br />She stated she anticipated a tobacco 21 bill will pass eventually at the legislature; however, she <br />wanted the community’s youth protected now. She discussed how addictive e-cigarettes were and <br />commented on how flavored tobacco was attractive to kids and how it was leading children to <br />early addiction. She reviewed the number of cities that have passed a tobacco 21 and flavored <br />tobacco ordinance amendment and encouraged the Council to approve the proposed Ordinance <br />amendment. <br /> <br />Emma Lamatsch, middle school student, thanked the Mayor and Council for having the <br />leadership to reduce teen tobacco use. She stated raising the tobacco age to 21 would make a